Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic condition which affects about 1 in every 50,000 persons. This disease is associated with recurring episodes of severe swelling, which can affect a patient's face, extremities, intestinal tract, and airways. Upper airway edema is considered especially dangerous and can even be life-threatening. The global HAE market is expected to increase to $3.8 billion in 2025 from $1.7 billion in 2016.

HAE is caused by low levels or improper function of the C1 inhibitor gene, which lead to an overactivation of several serine proteases, including plasma kallikrein, and cause edema. Verseon is building on expertise established in its diabetic macular edema program to develop small-molecule plasma kallikrein inhibitors suitable for oral dosing. Such treatments could have a positive impact on the lives of HAE patients who currently rely on intravenous or subcutaneous injectables.

Verseon’s plasma kallikrein inhibitors have shown good potency, oral pharmacokinetic exposure, as well as efficacy in a standard preclinical model for HAE.